Multiple combination indicator device, particularly for labels



April 1, 1958 B. HAMPEL 2,828,560

MULTIPLE COMBINATION INDICATOR DEVICE, PARTICULARLY FOR LABELS Filed March 8, 1954 F v If I I I I I I6. L E E i -J M WHE ZY r 7 F162, lI IBI-CI Y IFVQIHIIF IKH 8 f 7" AiBc .D E'F 6H li JIK'L'M N{ 5 i Q R s T u VTW'Q X z Fl'efi Pie] T 15y j" v5 IIL FiG-S. H610 H611;-

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Unite MULTIPLE COMBINATION INDICATOR DEVICE,

' PARTICULARLY FOR LABELS Bernard I-Iampel, Paris, France Application March 8, 1954, Serial No. 414,855

Claims priority, application France March 9, 1953 I 4 Claims. (Cl. 405) The present invention is relative to a multiple combination indicator device and more particularly to labels which may be used for various purposes.

One object of the invention is to provide for apparition at selected places on a label, of various inscriptions characterizing the label. These inscriptions may be quite varied, as, for instance, personal initials, publicity marks, lucky designs.

Another object of the invention is to give the possibility of causing the apparition of any inscription or to change the existing inscription for replacing it by another one without the label offering any modification.

Another object yet of the invention is that the indicator device which is the object thereof, may be used particularly in labels of extremely varied shapes and dimensions.

In accordance with the invention, the device comprises a flat, rigid element, with a variable shape and it is characterized by the fact that at least one place is defined on said element for causing the apparition of some of the inscriptions of an element which may easily be separated and fastened on said element carrying it and having all its unused portions hidden from sight.

The novel features that are considered characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts through the several figures and in which:

Figs. 1 to 4 are views illustrating various forms of tapes or ribbons having graphic signs thereon and adapted to cooperate with devices according to the present in vention;

Figs. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of a label with a device in accordance with the present invention, and taken respectively along lines VV and VI-VI of Fig.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the underside of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 8 is a plan view similar to Fig. 7 illustrating a modification of the device;

Fig. 9 is a view in elevation of another modification of the device;

Figs. 10 and 11 are respectively an elevation taken from the viewing line XX of Fig. 9 and a cross-sectional view taken on line XI-XI of Fig. 9, and

Figs. 12 and 13 are respectively plan and side elevational views of a modification of the device.

As shown in Fig. 1, each one of the signs 5 carried by the bands or tapes 4 is inscribed on segments of these tapes which are separated from one another by dots 6 which make it possible to easily isolate one or more segments, or, as shown in Fig. 2 by scored creases 7 for facilitating the tearing off of the tape or band along this crease, so as to separate the desired inscriptions.

In Fig. 3, the band or tape comprises two sets of inscriptions placed under one another, and these inscriptions can be separated by tearing ofi, along dots or suitable creases S on the band or tape.

Fig. 4 shows an annular shaped tape on which inscriptions are provided. Conveniently, this tape has a diameter smaller than that of the label described hereinafter, which makes it unnecessary to cut or tear it ofi when the desired inscription appears on the label.

In Figs. 5, 6 and 7, the label 1 is provided with an aperture 13 wherein is arranged a viewing :part 14 of transparent material. This part has an edging 15, which prevents it from passing completely through the aperture 13, and a channel shaped aperture 16 through which is passed-the band or tape 4 carrying the inscriptions.

The band or tape 4 is then fastened to the plate of the label by gluing or any other means, so that the assembled band label and transparent part constitutes a unit.

The transparent part may be engagedin the aperture 13 of the label I, so that its edging 15 be placed below said label, as shown in Fig. 5, or, on the contrary, above said label, as shown in Fig. 6. The shape of this part, obviously, may vary and examples of embodiment thereof are given particularly in Figs. 7, 8.

The channel shaped aperture 16 which is provided in the part 14 may be provided in the direction of the length of that part or, on the contrary in the direction of its width.

In Figs. 9, 10 and 11, the part 14 offers two channels In Figs. 12 and 13 there is shown a modified: embodiment of the viewing part according to which a metal. frame 23, for instance, forms on two of its sides, lugs 24' in which are provided apertures 25 for the passing of the band or tape bearing the inscriptions. This frame can be provided with fastening means, not shown, serving for mounting it on a label or on a packing article such as a box, bag, jewel case, etc.

In some cases, a portion, at least, of the label may be glued on the article and the band or tape arranged later.

When it is desired to have, for instance, the letter F of the tape represented in Figs. 1 to 4 become apparent, the latter tape is engaged into the openings 16, 17, 18 or 25 then the desired letter is brought into view through the window forming part 14 or 23.

The band or tape is then cut along one of the dotted lines in order that only the letter which is apparent be kept. The protruding edges of the tape segment which carries this letter are then glued or secured, if desired, below the label or the latter may be fastened afterwards on any object by gluing or any other means, which makes it unnecessary to previously secure the tape segment on the label.

The invention is not limited to the examples of embodiment represented and described in detail, as various modifications may be made thereto without departing from its scope. In particular, the modes of embodiment described above, of the indicating devices, may be used for the designation of large numbers or miscellaneous objects such as packing articles, bags, paper boxes, metal boxes or others; jewel cases, sheaths serving the Wrapping of confectionary articles etc.

The material used for the constitution of the described devices may be of varied kinds and, in particular, it is possible to make them, all or in part, out of plastic material, metal, paper, etc. The inscriptions carried by the Patented Apr. 1, 1958 bands or tapes and by the labels may be made on one of their faces only or, on the contrary, on both their faces.

The bands carrying the inscriptions may, in case these inscriptions are letters of the alphabet, comprise, .on .one of their sides, :ha'lf these letters, while, on their other side, they comprise the other letters.

Plates carrying an initial, for instance, may also be added to thejlabels.

The letters on the bands or tapes may offer decorative patterns for their embellishment.

In order to make the inscriptions appear more easily it is possible to form, in the label, a marginal bead surrounding the slots or windows provided in said label or said article. The windows may or may not be covered with transparent sheets or plates. The elements or labels bearing the inscriptions may or may not be covered with dry glue which is moistened for the attaching of the disc or tape segment desired.

It is possible also to combine on one and the same object several desired forms of embodiment.

I claim:

'1. An indicator device comprising a nontransparent supporting member having at least one window shaped aperture, a viewing element of corresponding shape to said aperture engaged therein, said element having a bearing portion bearing on the upper side of said supporting member and being provided with at least one channel underneath said supporting member, and astrip provided with inscriptions and inserted through said channel for exhibition of selected inscriptions through said viewing element, said strip extending beyond said channel and overlappingsaid supporting member to lock said viewing element and said supporting member together.

2. An indicator device comprising a supporting member having at least one window shaped aperture, a viewing element of transparent material corresponding in shape to said aperture and engaged therein, said element having a marginal .edge bearing against the face of said supporting member and being provided with at least one channel disposed behind said supporting member, .and a strip provided with inscriptions and inserted in said channel for exhibition of selected inscriptions through said element, said strip extending beyond said element and behind said supporting member to lock said element in said aperture.

3. An indicator device comprising a supporting member in the shape of a label with a plane front surface and having at least one window shaped aperture, a view ing element of transparent material corresponding in shape to said aperture and engaged therein, said element having a marginal edge bearing against said plane surface and at least one channel located behind said supporting member, and a flat strip provided with inscriptions and having on at least one face an adhesive coating, said strip being inserted through said channel to exhibit a desired inscription through said viewing element with portions of said strip extending beyond said element and behind said supporting member to which said portions are secured by the adhesive to lock said strip in said element and said element insaid supporting member.

'4. An indicator device comprising a supporting member having at least one window shaped aperture, a viewing element of corresponding shape to said aperture engaged therein, said element including a frame bearing against said supporting member and having rearwardly directed lugs extending through said aperture, said lugs having aligned slots defining at least one channel behind said supporting member, and a strip provided with in scriptions and passed through said channel for exhibition of selected inscriptions through said frame element, said strip extending beyond saidlugs and overlapping said supporting member to lock said frame element and said supporting member together.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,426,845 Humble Aug. 22, 1922 1,667,162 Kuhns Apr. '24, .1928

2,068,778 Ten Broeck Jan. 26, 1937 2,541,776 Murphy Feb. 13, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 365,239 Great Britain Jan. 21, 1932 

